Ever since its revelation 1400 years ago, the
Qur'an has been a book of guidance and inspiration, a reference point, and a
rich source of social and moral dynamism for hundreds of millions of people
throughout the world who believe it to be immutable word of God. Hardly a
generation passes without a fresh attempt to unravel the meanings of the Qur'an
and gain deeper insight into its universal message within a contemporary
perspective.

In The Shade Of The Qur'an
is more than 'just another' commentary; yet it is not too over-reaching or
outlandish to be a completely new interpretation. It is an earnest, sincere and
sober look at man's contemporary achievements and difficulties in the light of
the message of the Qur'an. It is an effort to vigorously explore its rich
wisdom, and expand its invaluable guidance for the benefit of an increasingly
'sophisticated' , yet highly perplexed modern society.

The work, which is by far Sayyid Qutb's largest
and most profound, spans the whole of the text of the Qur'an. It was written,
and partly re-written, over a period of more than 15 years, most of which the
author had spent in Egyptian prisons, during the 1950s and 1960s. In it is
embedded Sayyid Qutb's insight, highly esteemed intellectual vigor, and his
widely-acclaimed literary prowess.

In The Shade Of The Qur'an
has been universally recognized as an outstanding contribution to Islamic
thought and scholarship, to which students and scholars, as well as contemporary
Islamic revivalist movements all over the world, owe a great deal. Now that it
is available in English, it will continue to enlighten and inspire millions
more. It will take its rightful place as an indispensable work of reference for
a proper understanding of contemporary Islamic thinking.

The Author : Syed Qutb,
True to his teachings
died for the values he espoused. He was sentenced to death and hanged by a
military court established by Nasser. Writing was his jihad against the jahiliyya that he saw all around him1906 : Born in the village Musha, northern Egypt.1930's and 1940's: Qutb start working as a inspector of schools for the
Egyptian Ministry of Education. He also tries to start a career as a writer,
and publishes some books but without much success.1948: Travels to USA on a scholarship to study the educational system,
receiving a master's degree from the Colorado State College of Education.1951: Qutb returns to Egypt, and joins the Muslim Brotherhood (Ikhwan
ul Muslim)1952: First volume of his commentary In the Shade of the Qur'an (Fi
Zilal al-Qur'an) is published. There would be 29 more volumes to this
work.1954: He is arrested and sentenced to long imprisonment together with
many other members of the Ikhwan,.1964: After 10 years in prison, Qutb is released.1965: Is allegedly part of the planning of the assassination of
President Gamal Abdu l-Nasser,
and is arrested again.1966 August 29: Executed after being found guilty in the 1965 plot. May
Allah Bless his Soul

Ha Mim, This book is
bestowed from on high by God, the Almighty the Wise. Surely, in the
heavens and the earth there are signs for those who believe. (TMQur'an
al Jathiya 45: 1-3}